Southampton post Ben Brereton Diaz 'flex' as Newcastle United supporters left bemused

Brereton Diaz was public enemy number one at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon after his play-acting got Fabian Schar sent off in the 30th minute for ‘violent conduct’.

The incident started when the forward barged into the back of Schar, despite referee Craig Pawson already stopping proceedings for a United free-kick.

Schar fell to ground before rushing to his feet to confront Brereton Diaz. The pair touched foreheads and Schar was adjudged to have ‘headbutted’ the Saints man after he flung himself to the floor.

VAR reviewed the coming together and agreed with Pawson’s on-field decision to show a red card. Even Southampton manager Russell Martin admitted his player made the most of it, while Alan Shearer called Brereton Diaz “embarrassing” although thought it was a sending off.

Debate continues over whether it was or wasn’t a red card.

Fortunately, Newcastle still went on to win the game via Joelinton’s goal on the brink of half-time. A blow, however, is Eddie Howe is set to be without his first choice right-sided centre-back for the next three matches.

Two days on and tempers had just about calmed. That was until Southampton’s official X account re-lit the fire.

Promoting their upcoming clash at home to Nottingham Forest, the Saints used a clip of Brereton Diaz laughing after Sean Longstaff put in a strong tackle in revenge for Schar’s dismissal, captioned “that feeling when you're back at St Mary's on Saturday”.

And Newcastle fans have replied in hundreds, totally bewildered at the Saints’ tactic.

“Such a bizarre flex in a game you lost having played against 10 men for over an hour,” wrote one fan account. Another said “Lads. You lost this game. Speaks levels about your standards.”

There certainly won’t be any love lost when Newcastle visit St Mary’s in the reverse fixture at the end of January.